Hydraulically operated liquid valve with two closable inlets

ABSTRACT

A liquid valve having a pair of inlets closable by lids movable by hydraulic means. A pair of lids are pivotally mounted to a hollow body so as to close a top and bottom inlet. In one embodiment the lids are pivotally mounted to lever arms which are pivotally mounted to the hollow body. The ends of the lever arms limit the rotation of the lids. In the same embodiment, a first hydraulic means mounted to the main body is operable to simultaneously open the top lid and lock the bottom lid closed whereas a second hydraulic means mounted to the body is operable to open the bottom lid. In a second embodiment, the lids are pivotally mounted to the hollow body with one lid being opened by first hydraulic means and with the other lid being opened by second hydraulic means. Actuator means are provided in both embodiments to direct pressurized liquid to operate the first and second hydraulic means. An anti-syphon device is provided to prevent liquid from flowing in a reverse direction toward the source of liquid supply.

Young HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LIQUID VALVE WITH TWO CLOSABLE INLETS [75] Inventor: Henry A. Young, Muncie, Ind.

[73] Assignee: Young Engineering & 7

Manufacturing Company, Inc., Ind.

[22] Filed: Feb. 5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 329,366

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 127,602. March 24,

1971, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 4/67 A; 4/34; 4/37; 4/57 P; 137/636; 137/395 [51] Int. Cl E03d l/22; EO3d l/30; E03d 1/34 [58] Field of Search 4/67 A, 34, 37, 67 R, 57 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,963,211 6/1934 Patterson 4/67 A 2,580,731 l/l952 Cochin l37/636.l

2,644,952 7/1953 Boyd 4/67 R 2,744,262 5/1956 Boyd 4/67 R 2.802.218 8/1957 Wanger l 4/41 3,076,974 2/1963 Sorensen 4/57 R 3.088.122 5/1963 Pore 4/67 R 3,368,224 2/1968 Ament 4/57 P 3,466,674 9/1969 Schroder 4/67 R 1 Nov. 11, 1975 3.744.064 7/1973 Preston 4/67 A Primary E.\'aminer-Henry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Woodard, Weikart, Emhardt & Naughton 5 7 ABSTRACT A liquid valve having a pair of inlets closable by lids movable by hydraulic means. A pair of lids are pivotally mounted to a hollow body so as to close a top and bottom inlet. In one embodiment the lids are pivotally mounted to lever arms which are pivotally mounted to the hollow body. The ends of the lever arms limit the rotation of the lids. In the same embodiment, a first hydraulic means mounted to the main body is operable to simultaneously open the top lid and lock the bottom lid closed whereas a second hydraulic means mounted to the body is operable to open the bottom lid. In a second embodiment, the lids are pivotally mounted to the hollow body with one lid being opened by first hydraulic means and with the other lid being opened by second hydraulic means. Actuator means are provided in both embodiments to direct pressurized liquid to operate the first and second hydraulic means. An anti-Syphon device is provided to prevent liquid from flowing in a reverse direction toward the source of liquid supply.

12 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov.11 1975 Sheet1of6 3,918,105

Fig. 1

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INVENTOR HENRY A. Xiuu BY Mm/Mz, MMMLM AT TORNEYS US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 SheetS 0f6 3,918,105

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet6 0f6 3,918,105

I-IYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LIQUID VALVE WITH TWO CLOSABLE INLETS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention is in the field of liquid valves.

2. Description of the Prior Art A representable sample of the prior art is disclosed in the following lists of United States Letters Patent. Group A of the US. Letters Patent listed hererin discloses flush valves for delivering water in different amounts or different rates during the flushing operation and which use a single adjustable valve.

GROUP A 3,041,630 issued to Williams 3,049,721 issused to Taylor 2,690,567 issued to Quebbeman 2,685,594 issued to Allison 2,532,977 issued to White 2,106,916 issued to Morkisch 3,137,867 issued to King 3,141,177 issued to Kertell 3,332,088 issued to. Contractor 3,320,622 issued to Wustner 3,324,482 issued to Wustner 2,674,744 isssued to White 2,526,294 issued to Stegeman 2,626,400 issued to Castellano 2,626,401 issued to Blair 3,080,567 issued to King 3,156,930 issued to Moulton 3,026,536 issued to Wood 3,019,448 issued to Ulicni 2,902,697 issued to McGovern 2,922,168 issued to Crandall 2,702,908 issued to Thorndike 3,775,772 issued to Clarke Group B of the US. Letters Patent discloses flush valves using more than one valve to permit water to flow from different levels in a tank.

GROUP B 2,716,242 issued to Robinson 2,505,091 issued to Brebis 2,351,672 issued to Engel 2,803,833 issued to Charest 1,890,281 issued to Dollinger 1,960,864 issued to Brown 1,963,211 issued to Patterson 2,237,294 issued to Easley 1,767,043 issued to Blaun 3,237,211 issued to Brown 3,151,337 issued to Deniz 3,005,206 issued to Dollinger 2,864,095 issued to Martino 2,940,084 issued to Fabbi 2,839,759 issued to Mattino 2,709,263 issued to Doty 3,186,007 issued to Falotico 3,375,531 issued to Lake 3,036,313 issued to Jenkins 2,760,206 issued to Loyd 3,041,630 issued to Williams I Group C of the US. Letters Patent listed herein in- 5 cludes devices wherein multiple handles, tanks and/or valves are employed.

GROUP C 3,082,433 issued to Armstrong 1,780,810 issued to Brown 1,805,204 issued to Brown 3,344,439 issued to Davies 3,487,476 issued to Stiern 3,406,940 issued to Kertell 2,754,521 issued to Marcum It can be appreciated that the state of the art of flush valves is fairly well developed as shown by the number of Letters Patent issued. Nevertheless, there is still a need for a flush valve for delivering two predetermined different quantities of liquid by a completely hydraulically operated valve. The valve disclosed herein does not use the mutliple and complex cranks, gears, chains and other assorted mechanical members to open and close inlets. Instead, hydraulic cylinder means are operable to open and close a pair of inlets with the hydraulic cylinder means being operable by a water line pressure.

The two quantities of liquid deliverable by the flush valve disclosed herein may be utilized in a variety of ways. For example, the present flush valve installed in a toilet tank may allow a relatively small quantity of water to pass from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl for carrying away liquid waste whereas a relatively larger quantity of water may be released from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl for carrying away solid waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a flush valve comprising a hollow main body having a first and second inlet with a bottom outlet; top and bottom closures pivotally mounted to the body; first hydraulic means operable to open the top closure and second hydraulic means operable to open the bottom closure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved flush valve for delivering two different predetermined quantities of liquid.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flush valve having a pair of inlets closable by hydraulically operated lids.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved flush valve which is completely operable by the water line pressure.

Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front view of a toilet tank having an alternate embodiment of the flush valve of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the flush valve shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an endview of the valve of FIG. 2 viewed in the direction of arrows 33.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of lever arm 46 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIGS is an enlarged top view of lever arm 51 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view partly'in tuator 23 of FIG. 1. I

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line and viewed in the direction of the arrows 7 -7 of FIG. 6.

FIG-8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line and viewed in the direction of arrowsS-S of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front view of a toilet tank having the preferred embodiment of the flush valve of the present invention and with the top closure shown being opened.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front view of the flush valve in FIG. 9 with the top closure moving to the closed position.

FIG. 11 is the same view as FIG. 10 only showing the bottom closure moving to .the closed position.

FIG.- 12 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the actuator means shown in FIG; 9.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional section of acview taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now ,more .particularlyto FIG. 1, there is shown a toilet tank having an inlet water pipe 21 and an, outlet water pipe 22 which is connected to the toilet bowl not shown. Actuator 23 is mounted to the front wall of the toilet tank in the position normally receiving Actuator 23 is connected to the double ball cock piston operated flush valve which is located beneath the water level line 26. The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 is an alternate embodiment of the present in- Mention. V

' Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, flush valve 30 has a hollow main body with a plurality of tubes connected together for directing the water out of the tank. The top tube 34 has a generally cylindrical cross section and is elbow configured opening into a hollow bowl 33. A second hollow tube 32 extends through the bottom wall of bowl 33 and opens at its bottom end into outlet pipe 22. Pipe 22 has a flanged upper portion 35 for seating against the bottom wall of the tank shown in FIG. 1. A

suitable gasket may be placed between flanged portion 35 and the bottom tank wall 'to insure a liquid-tight seal. The outer surface 31 of pipe 22 may be threaded for coupling to a toilet bowl. It is to be noted that the cross-sectional areas of tube 32 and pipe 22 are considerably larger than the cross-sectional area of tube 34.

. Y The top wall of bowl 33 has an opening 52 surrounded by an annular upraised seating member 53. A closure 37 is pivotally mounted to the main body of the valve having alid 54 with a pair of upstanding legs 55.

. A generally C-shaped lever arm 51 (FIG. 5) has an ex- 54 is pivotally mounted to the pair of rods 59 (FIG. 5)

extending outwardly from extension 60 of arm 51.

. Thus. lid 54 is pivotally mounted aboutaxis 61 with respect to lever arm 51. The ends of extensions 60 (FIG. 5) of lever arm 51 extend outwardly from axis 61 so as to abut and limit the rotation of lid 54 about axis 61 as ber 53. A second closure 36 is pivotally mounted to the the lid rotates in the direction of arrow 62 (FIG. 2). A t

The bottom portion of tube 32 is beveled at location 64 defining a second opening 65. The beveled face 42 of tube 32 has an annular member 41 identical to memmain body so as to open and close opening 65. Closure 36 has a lid 66 and a hollow ball 67 identical to ball 63 which protrudes through opening 65 whenever the lid opening 48, a flat contact face 49 and an outwardly ex tending finger 50. A pair of upstanding mounting I flanges 44 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are mounted atop tube 32.

and pivotally receive lever arm 46. A pin 70 extends through opening 48 (FIG. 4) being received by flanges 44. Thus, closure 36 may be pivoted. about axis 69. which extends centrally through opening 48. The distal ends 71 and 72 of lever arm 46 extend outwardly of 1 axis 68 and about lid 66 thereby limiting thev rotation of the closure 36 about axis 68.

It can be appreciated that as the top and bottom clo sures pivot upward that the balls may move outward sufficiently so as to prevent the entrance of the balls back into their respective openings upon closure. Thus, the distal ends are provided to limit the rotation of the lids. A baffle 73 is mounted within and to tube 32 so as to direct the flow of liquid through tube 32 down into pipe 22 without directly impacting ball 67. Baffle 73 is configured to extend partially around ball 67. Without the baffle it is conceivable that liquid flowing into opening 52 would rush through tube 32 sufficiently so as to force closure 36 to pivot in an upward direction.

Two hydraulic cylinders 74 and 75 are fixedly. mounted to the main body of the valve by a clamp 78.

Cylinders 74 and 75 have conventional liquid nozzles 76 and 77 which are connected to actuator 23 shown in FIG. 1. Clamp 78 extends around tube 32 having a pair of spaced apart ends held together by screw 79 (FIG. 2) thereby tightly securing the clamp to tube 32. Clamp 78 is also split in locations 80 and 81 with fastening devices 82 and 83 closing the clamp. tightly around cylinders 74 and 75. Each cylinder houses a movable piston which moves in response to the liquid pressure applied through nozzle76 and 77. The piston within cylinder 75 has a piston rod 84 which extends downwardly contacting finger 50. Thus, as liquid pres,-

sure is applied through nozzle 77 to the piston within is threaded into cylinder-88 which receives a second threaded rod 88' which extendsfreely through arm i The ball shaped end 89 of rod 88' abuts the top surface of arm 90. Arm 90' has-a pin 90 extending therethrough which is received by the upstanding legs 58 and the opening in extension 56 (FIG. 5). The inward end 92 (FIG. 2) of arm 90' extends past pin 90 beneath the downwardly, curved extension 56 of lever arm 51. Thus, as rod 86 moves downwardly, arm 90' pivots about axis 57 in the direction of arrow 93 so as to contact extension 56 and force closure 37 upwardly in the direction of arrow 62. Cylinder 74 houses a piston not shown which is connected to rod 86 which moves in response to liquid pressure applied through noule 76. Thus, as the liquid pressure through nozzle 76 increases, the piston and rod 86 are forced downardly so as to pivot closure 37 upwardly with the bottom end 87 of rod 86 contacting face 49 between axis 68 and axis 69 thereby forcing and locking closure 36 in the downward closed position. As the liquid pressure within cylinder 74 decreases, the weight of ball 63 will force closure 37 in a direction opposite of arrow 62 thererby allowing rod 86 to move in a general upward direction. A pair of bleed hoses 94 and 95 (FIG. 3) are respectively provided in cylinders 74 and 75 so as to allow the liquid trapped within the cylinder to eventually escape after the liquid pressure on the pistons has been reduced by release of actuator 23.

Liquid pressure is applied to nozzles 76 and 77 by actuator 23 shown in FIG. 1. A pair of flexible hollow tubes 28 and 29 connect the actuatorwith the hydraulic cylinders 74 and 75. Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, there is shown partly insection actuator 23 which allows the operator to select and direct liquid pressure thereby operating hydraulic cylinders 74 and 75. Actuator 23 has a conserve flush button 25 and a full flush button 24 integrally connected together and pivotally mounted to housing 107 secured to the front wall 102 of the toilet tank. The full flush button 24 and the partial flush button 25 are rotatably mounted to housing 107 about rod 108. The inner concave surface 109 of buttons 24 and 25 receive a pair of rods 104 and 105 movable through wall 102 within bushing 106. The opposite ends of rods 104 and 105 contact butterfly valve 103 pivotally mounted to housing 1 secured to bushing 106 and hydraulic valve housing 111. By depressing button 24, rod 104 will move inwardly pivoting butterfly valve 103 in the direction of arrow 114 thereby depressing rod 113. Likewise, depressing button 25 will result in rod 105 being depressed and butterfly 103 being rotated in a direction opposite of arrow 114 thereby forcing rod 112 inward. Valve housing 114 has two cylinders 115 and 116 each housing a piston 117 and 118 respectively connected to rods 113 and 112. FIGS. 7 and 8 show pistons 117 and 118 attached to rods 113 and 112 which are slidably sealed to cap plugs 124 and 125 which are threadedly received by housing 111. A pressure reservoir chamber 119 is provided in valve housing 111 being connected to the source of pressurized liquid from inlet pipe 21 via hose 27. Inlet pipe 21 (FIG. 1) extends through the bottom wall of tank having an adapter collar 121 attached thereto. Collar 121 has a hollow nozzle 122 communicating with the hollow interior of pipe 21. Tube 27 is connected to nozzle 122 and to nozzle 123 which opens into chamber 119. Thus, the liquidmay flow from pipe 21 through tube 27 into chamber 119. Rod 112 and 113 are slidably mounted throughv thecapped closed ends 124 and 125 threadedly received by valve housing 111. A pair of plugs 126 and 127 positioned within chamber 119 are respectively connected to rods 113 and 112. The conically shaped portion of plugs 126 and 127 nearest pistons 117 and 118 is seatingly received respectively in openings 128 and 129 so as to prevent the flow of liquid from chamber 119 into cylinders and 116. A pair of springs 131 and biased plugs 126 and 127 into openings 128 and 129. Thus, by depressing rod 113, liquid may flow from chamber 119 into cylinder 115. Likwise, by depressing rod 112, liquid will flow from chamber 119 into cylinder 1 16. Each cylinder 115 and 116 has a nozzle 132 and 133 which are respectively connected to tubes 29 and 28 and to nozzles 77 and 76 respectively of cylinders 75 and 74.

Cylinder 116 has a slot 134 which extends on either side of the faces of piston 118 when the piston is positioned approximately midway within cylinder 116. Thus, liquid may flow through slot 134 around piston 118 and into bleed hole 135. An adjustment screw 136 is threadedly received into valve housing 111 and extends into bleed hole so as to be adjustable to close and open hole 135. Piston 118 will not return immediately adjacent cap 125 when the conserve flush button is released due to the water trapped between cap 125 and piston 118. Thus, a time delay is built into the valve by keeping plug 126 opened and therefore insuring that water pressure is applied to valve 74 locking closure 36 in the closed position. The length of the time delay may be changed by adjusting screw 136. Water pressure will be applied to ball 67 (FIG. 2) of bottom closure 36 by the water flowing through tube 32. Thus, it is desirable to lock closure 36 in the closed position.

Another bleed hole 138 opens into cylinder 115 being positioned between piston 117 and plug 126 when plug 126 closes opening 128. A bleed adjustment screw 137 is threadedly received into housing 1 11 so as to allow for an adjustable restriction in hole 138. Bleed hole 138 allows for the drainage of the water within chamber 115 so as to reduce the water pressure in the chamber thereby eventually allowing closure 36 to revert to the closed position.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 through 13. Referring now more particularly to FIG. 9, there is shown a toilet tank having an inlet water pipe and an outlet water pipe 202 which is connected to the toilet bowl not shown. Actuator 201 is mounted to the front wall of the toilet tank in the position normally receiving the traditional toilet crank handle. Actuator 203 has a conserve flush button marked I which may be depressed to allow approximately one third of the water within the tank to flow out pipe 202 to the toilet bowl. A second button marked II may be depressed to allow substantially all of the water within the tank to flow out the outlet to the toilet bowl. Actuator 201 is connected to the flush valve 210 which is located beneath the water level line.

Liquid valve 210 has a hollow main body 211 with a top inlet 212 and a bottom inlet 213. The main body has a flange 214 for sealingly resting atop the bottom wall of the tank. The outlet water pipe 202 is attached to flange 214' and is provided with external threads for coupling to'the toilet bowl.

A top-closure 215 ispivotally mounted to flange 216 by pivot pin 217. Range 216 is connected to main body 211. Cylinder 218 is integrally mounted atop closure 215 and includes a pair of separate passages 219 and 220. Tube 221 is slidably received into passage 219 and is movable in the direction of or opposite of arrow 222 to allow for adjustment of overflow of the water within the tank into passage 219 which empties into main body 211. That is, closure 215 is provided with an aperture for liquid within passage 219 to pass directly into body 211 and then into outlet pipe 202. When closure 215 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 9, water within tank 200 enters passage 220 thereby providing ballast to cylinder 218 to facilitate closing of closure 215. Projection 223 is attached to cylinder 218 and contacts the main body to limit the pivotal motion of closure 215 in the direction of arrow 224.

The main body 211 of valve 210 includes an upper portion 226 secured to a lower portion 227 by band 228. Upper portion 226 is provided with opening 212 which is sealed by closure 215 whereas the lower portion 227 is provided with aperture 213, which is normally sealed by closure 229. The threaded outlet pipe 202 is integrally connected to lower portion 227. A pair of flanges 230 are mounted to lower portion 227 and pivotally received closure 229. Hydraulic cylinder means 231 is mounted within lower portion 227 and is operable to open closure 215 and closure 229.

Hydraulic means 231- includes a main body 232 which is provided with a pair of cylinders 233 and 234 which receive respectively pistons 235 and 236. By applying pressure to side 240 of piston 236, the piston and rod 237 attached to piston 236 are caused to move in the direction of arrow 241 until the enlarged end 242 of rod 237 abuts ball portion 225 of closure 215. By increasing the pressure to side 240, rod 237 is caused to move further in the direction of arrow 241 thereby causing closure 215 to open and pivot in the direction of arrow 224. Likewise, by applying pressure to side 243 of piston 235, the piston and rod 238 attached to piston 235 are caused to move in the direction of arrow 239 thereby forcing the enlarged end 244 against closure 229 and causing the enclosure to open and pivot in the direction of arrow 245. Cylinders 233 and 234 are respectively sealed by end caps 246 and 247 with rods 238 and 237 being slidable therethrough. Cylinders 233 and 234 are respectively provided with apertures 248 and 249 to allow the liquid within the cylinders to slowly escape providing for the eventual reduction of pressures within the cylinders and thereby allowing the piston to return to their original positions and allowing the closures to pivot in a reverse direction so as to sealingly close openings 212 and 213.

Liquid pressure is applied to the hydraulic cylinders by means of liquid forced through hoses 250. Hose 250 has three separate passages 251 through 253 leading from actuator 201 to the hydraulic cylinders. The bottom end of hose 250 is connected to lower portion 227 by means of a cap 254. Passage 251 is in communication with cylinder 234 thereby allowing the liquid within passage 251 to be applied to piston 236. Likewise, passage 253 is in communication with cylinder 233 thereby allowing the liquid pressure within passage 253 to be applied to piston 235.

Tubes 255 and 256 are mounted externally to respectively cylinders 233 and 234. Tube 256 (FIG. 10) has a top end 257 which opens into cylinder 234 on the top side 258 of piston 236. The bottom end 258 of tube 256 opens into tube 255 which is connected at one end to passage 252. The opposite end 259 of tube 255 opens into cylinder 233 between end plate 246 and piston 235. Thus, by forcing liquid through passage 252, liquid pressure is applied through tubes 255 and 256 and against pistons 235 and 236 causing the pistons to assume the retracted positions and allowing closure 215 and/or 229 to close.

Actuator 201 (FIG. 13) is mounted to the front wall 260 of the tank. The actuator has a conserve push but ton 25 and a full flush button 24 integrally connected together and pivotally mounted to housing 107. Surface 109' of buttons 24 and 25 receive a pair of rods 104 and 105 movable through wall 260 within bushing 1 106. The opposite ends of rods 104 and 105 contact butterfly valve 103 pivotally mounted to housing secured to bushing 106. Housing 110 includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders 261 and 262 which are intercon nected by liquid passage 263. Pistons 264 and265 are mounted respectively in cylinders 261 and 262 and I have piston rods 265 and 266' which extend outwardly adjacent butterfly valve 103.

Pistons 264 and 265 are biased by springs 266 and i compressed, thereby moving piston 265 away from passage 269 and allowing liquid within cylinder 262.to flow into passage 269. Passage 269 is also provided with an opening 272 which is connected to passage 253 of hose 250. When button 25 is depressed,the liquid pressure is routed from the incoming line 27 through cylinder 261 to passage 251. The liquid pressure within passage 251 is then applied to piston 236 causing closure 215 to pivot upward. Simultaneously with the.

opening of closure 215, liquid pressure is applied from side 258 of piston 236 vai tube 256 and into cylinder 233 between plate 246 and piston 235 in the direction a of arrow 239 (FIG. 9) and thereby preventing rod 244 from forcing closure 229 open. Likewise, when button 24 is pressed, closure 229 opens and extension of rod 237 is prevented.

A conventional bowl refill valve is mounted within the tank and is connected to incoming line .27. The

bowl refill valve is operable to fill the tank with liquid to a predetermined level. Tube 273 is connected to the bowl refill hose 273 on the fill valve. Tube 273 is routed through actuator 201 and is connected to passage 252. Thus, when button 25 is depressed causing closure 2 15 to open, the liquid level within the tank will decrease thereby activating the fill valve and causing.

water to be routed through hose 273' and tube .273 which is connected to passage 252. The liquid pressure within passage 252 (FIG. 10) is then applied to tubes 255 and 256 causing the retraction of piston 236 and the closing of closure 215. Likewise, in the event that closure 229 is opened, then piston 235 is caused to retract to provide for the closing of closure 229.

An anti-Syphon valve 274 (FIG. 12) is mounted to the bottom of actuator 201 and is connected to incoming line 27. Anti-Syphon valve 274 (FIG. 13) includes a housing 275 which is mounted to the housing containing piston 264 and 265. Housing 275 is provided with a passage 276 which is in communication with cylinder 262. The anti-Syphon valve further includes bottom cap,

276 which is mounted to housing 275. Cap 276 is connected to line 27. A movable plug 277 is positioned within housing 275 and has a rounded bottom end 27 9 for sealingly fitting within the conical depression 280 of cap 276. A plurality of apertures 278 are provided in plug 277. Thus, as liquid moves through line 27 in the direction of arrow 281, plug 277 is forced to the upward position thereby allowing the liquid to pass through apertures 278 and into passage 276. If the source of liquid pressure is interrupted to line 27, then liquid within the actuator is prevented from moving in the direction opposite of arrow 281 into line 27. In this case, the liquid within the actuator will force plug 277 to a downward position so as to allow for end 279 to sealingly engage depression 280 preventing passage of liquid into line 27.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

The invention claimed is:

l. A liquid valve comprising:

a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations;

a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet;

a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet;

first hydraulic means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure, and second hydraulic means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure;

said first hydraulic means simultaneously opening said first closure and locking said second closure closed; and

actuator means connectable to a source of liquid pressure and coupled to said first and second hydraulic means and operable to selectably direct said pressure to operate said first or second hydraulic means, said actuator having first and second finger operable members, each of said members having a movable spring biased piston with plug attached.

2. A liquid valve comprising:

a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations;

a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet;

a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet;

first hydraulic means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure and second hydraulic means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure,

said first closure and said second closure being pivotally mounted to said body;

said first hydraulic means having a cylinder with movable piston and rod, said rod being movable to simultaneously open said first closure and lock said second closure closed;

said second hydraulic means having a cylinder with movable piston and piston rod, said piston rod of said second means being movable to open said second closure; and

actuator means connectable to a source of liquid pressure and being operable to selectably direct said pressure to operate said hydraulic means.

3. The valve of claim 2 wherein:

said first inlet is higher in elevation than said second inlet; and,

said actuator means has a liquid pressure reservoir and spring biased plugs movable to control liquid flow from said reservoir to said first hydraulic means and to said second hydraulic means.

4. The valve of claim 3 wherein:

said actuator means has time delay means operable to control the time duration of said liquid flow from said reservoir to said first hydraulic means.

5. A liquid valve comprising:

a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations;

a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet;

a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet;

and hydraulic means including first hydraulic cylinder means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure and second hydraulic cylinder means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure, said hydraulic means including means operable to simultaneously open said first closure and prevent said second hydraulic cylinder means from opening said second closure.

6. The valve of claim 5 wherein:

said first closure and said second closure are pivotally mounted to said body;

said first means has a first cylinder with first movable piston and first rod, said first rod is movable with said piston to open said first closure; and,

said second means has a second cylinder with second movable piston and second rod, said second rod is movable with said second piston to open said second closure.

7. The valve of claim 6 wherein:

said first rod is movable to simultaneously open said first closure and lock said second closure closed.

.8. The valve of claim 6 wherein:

said first piston and said second piston each have a first side and a second side, said hydraulic means is connected to a source of liquid pressure with said liquid pressure directed against said first side of said first piston to open said first closure and against said first side of said second piston to open said second closure, said hydraulic means includes a bypass passage opening at one end into said first cylinder on said second side of said first piston and opening at its opposite end into said second cylinder on said second side of said second piston, said bypass passage is connected to said source of liquid pressure for the retraction of said first rod and said second rod and the closing of said first closure and said second closure.

9. The valve of claim 8 wherein:

said first cylinder and said second cylinder include leakage holes allowing escape of liquid within said first cylinder and said second cylinder and further comprising:

actuator means connectable between said source of liquid pressure and said hydraulic means, said actuator means being operable to selectably direct said liquid pressure to operate said hydraulic means, said actuator means includes an inlet tube connected to said source of liquid pressure, a first outlet tube connected to said first hydraulic cylinder means, a second outlet tube connected to said sec ond hydraulic cylinder means, a recovery tube connected to said source of liquid pressure and said bypass passage, said actuator means further includes a pair of cylinders interconnected together allowing liquid flow therebetween at all times, one of said pair of cylinders being in communication with said first outlet tube with a movable control piston disposed therebetween with the other of said pair of cylinders being in communication with said second outlet tube with another movable control piston disposed therebetween.

10. A flush valve comprising:

a hollow main body having a first and second inlet with a bottom outlet;

a top and bottom closures pivotally mounted to said body;

first hydraulic means coupled to said top closure and operable to open said top closure;

second hydraulic means coupled to said bottom closure and operable to open said bottom closure;

a top lever arm mounted to said body about a first axis and to said top closure about a second axis, said arm having opposite ends positioned outwardly of said first axis and said second axis, one of said opposite ends being connected to said first means and the other of said opposite ends limiting rotation of said first closure about said second axis; and,

a bottom lever arm mounted to said body about a third axis, and to said bottom closure about a fourth axis, said bottom arm having ends positioned outwardly of said third axis and said fourth axis, one of said ends being contacted by said first means to close said bottom closure and the other of said ends limiting rotation of said bottom closure and the other of said ends limiting rotation of said bottom closure about said fourth axis, said first means contacts said bottom arm at a location be tween said third axis and said fourth axis to lock said bottom closure closed.

11. A flush vlave comprising:

a hollow main body having a first and second inlet with a bottom outlet;

top and bottom closures pivotally mounted to said body;

first hydraulic means coupled to said top closure and operable to open said top closure;

second hydraulic means coupled to said bottom closure and operable to open said bottom closure;

said first hydraulic means having a first cylinder with a piston rod slidable therethrough in response to liquid pressure, said rod has opposite ends with one of said ends being movable to open said top closure and the other of said ends being movable to lock draulic means and said second hydraulic means. 

1. A liquid valve comprising: a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations; a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet; a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet; first hydraulic means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure, and second hydraulic means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure; said first hydraulic means simultaneously opening said first closure and locking said second closure closed; and actuator means connectable to a source of liquid pressure and coupled to said first and second hydraulic means and operable to selectably direct said pressure to operate said first or second hydraulic means, said actuator having first and second finger operable members, each of said members having a movable spring biased piston with plug attached.
 2. A liquid valve comprising: a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations; a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet; a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet; first hydraulic means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure and second hydraulic means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure, said first closure and said second closure being pivotally mounted to said body; said first hydraulic means having a cylinder with movable piston and rod, said rod being movable to simultaneously open said first closure and lock said second closure closed; said second hydraulic means having a cylinder with movable piston and piston rod, said piston rod of said second means being movable to open said second closure; and actuator means connectable to a source of liquid pressure and beiNg operable to selectably direct said pressure to operate said hydraulic means.
 3. The valve of claim 2 wherein: said first inlet is higher in elevation than said second inlet; and, said actuator means has a liquid pressure reservoir and spring biased plugs movable to control liquid flow from said reservoir to said first hydraulic means and to said second hydraulic means.
 4. The valve of claim 3 wherein: said actuator means has time delay means operable to control the time duration of said liquid flow from said reservoir to said first hydraulic means.
 5. A liquid valve comprising: a hollow body having first and second liquid inlets and a liquid outlet with said inlets being at different elevations; a first closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said first inlet; a second closure mounted to said body and movable to close and open said second inlet; and hydraulic means including first hydraulic cylinder means coupled to said first closure and operable to open said first closure and second hydraulic cylinder means coupled to said second closure and operable to open said second closure, said hydraulic means including means operable to simultaneously open said first closure and prevent said second hydraulic cylinder means from opening said second closure.
 6. The valve of claim 5 wherein: said first closure and said second closure are pivotally mounted to said body; said first means has a first cylinder with first movable piston and first rod, said first rod is movable with said piston to open said first closure; and, said second means has a second cylinder with second movable piston and second rod, said second rod is movable with said second piston to open said second closure.
 7. The valve of claim 6 wherein: said first rod is movable to simultaneously open said first closure and lock said second closure closed.
 8. The valve of claim 6 wherein: said first piston and said second piston each have a first side and a second side, said hydraulic means is connected to a source of liquid pressure with said liquid pressure directed against said first side of said first piston to open said first closure and against said first side of said second piston to open said second closure, said hydraulic means includes a bypass passage opening at one end into said first cylinder on said second side of said first piston and opening at its opposite end into said second cylinder on said second side of said second piston, said bypass passage is connected to said source of liquid pressure for the retraction of said first rod and said second rod and the closing of said first closure and said second closure.
 9. The valve of claim 8 wherein: said first cylinder and said second cylinder include leakage holes allowing escape of liquid within said first cylinder and said second cylinder and further comprising: actuator means connectable between said source of liquid pressure and said hydraulic means, said actuator means being operable to selectably direct said liquid pressure to operate said hydraulic means, said actuator means includes an inlet tube connected to said source of liquid pressure, a first outlet tube connected to said first hydraulic cylinder means, a second outlet tube connected to said second hydraulic cylinder means, a recovery tube connected to said source of liquid pressure and said bypass passage, said actuator means further includes a pair of cylinders interconnected together allowing liquid flow therebetween at all times, one of said pair of cylinders being in communication with said first outlet tube with a movable control piston disposed therebetween with the other of said pair of cylinders being in communication with said second outlet tube with another movable control piston disposed therebetween.
 10. A flush valve comprising: a hollow main body having a first and second inlet with a bottom outlet; a top and bottom closures pivotally mounted to said body; first hydraulic means coupled to said top closure and operable to open said top closure; second hydraulic means coupled to said bottom closure and operable to open said bottom closure; a top lever arm mounted to said body about a first axis and to said top closure about a second axis, said arm having opposite ends positioned outwardly of said first axis and said second axis, one of said opposite ends being connected to said first means and the other of said opposite ends limiting rotation of said first closure about said second axis; and, a bottom lever arm mounted to said body about a third axis, and to said bottom closure about a fourth axis, said bottom arm having ends positioned outwardly of said third axis and said fourth axis, one of said ends being contacted by said first means to close said bottom closure and the other of said ends limiting rotation of said bottom closure and the other of said ends limiting rotation of said bottom closure about said fourth axis, said first means contacts said bottom arm at a location between said third axis and said fourth axis to lock said bottom closure closed.
 11. A flush vlave comprising: a hollow main body having a first and second inlet with a bottom outlet; top and bottom closures pivotally mounted to said body; first hydraulic means coupled to said top closure and operable to open said top closure; second hydraulic means coupled to said bottom closure and operable to open said bottom closure; said first hydraulic means having a first cylinder with a piston rod slidable therethrough in response to liquid pressure, said rod has opposite ends with one of said ends being movable to open said top closure and the other of said ends being movable to lock closed said bottom lid; said second hydraulic means having a second cylinder with a piston rod movable to open said bottom closure; and said first cylinder and said second cylinder each have holes to drain water therein.
 12. The valve of claim 11 wherein: said top and bottom closures each have buoyant elements protruding into said body when said closures are in the closed position; and further comprising: actuator means connected to said first hydraulic means and said second hydraulic means and being operable to direct pressurized water to said first hydraulic means and said second hydraulic means. 